Volume 2 Chapter 35: The Troublesome Junior

“Senpai! Let go… no, don’t let go! Hold me tighter and give me permission to kill this catty woman!”

There was no way I could allow that.

“Can we stop with the violent talk? Also, how exactly am I supposed to hold you tighter and not let go? I’d become an accomplice, wouldn’t I?”

Pinned in my hold, Fiona, her face twisted in rage, looked more agitated than I had ever seen her. If I let go, she’d likely unleash her Heaven’s Witch magic and pounce immediately.

“Bring it on! Let me go, El! I’m going to kill them all!”

Directly in front of us, Ms. Carat, similarly restrained by El, bared her teeth and shouted back.

She was fully dressed this time, in attire that exposed her arms and legs—something practical for ease of movement—and wore sturdy boots. Probably her usual outfit.

The scene was set in the mansion’s lounge. Normally a relaxing space with its elegant fireplace, fine furnishings, cozy sofas, and warm lighting, it now resembled a war zone.

The cause of all this, of course, was the incident in the bath. Ms. Carat remembered it vividly.

After being tended to by Sophie, she woke up and, with a trembling and frightened expression, stormed into the lounge, where I was explaining the situation to Fiona and El.

But before she could approach me, Fiona blocked her path with a smile.

And then, in a chilling voice, she said, “Die, you cat.”

For a moment, Ms. Carat looked taken aback, but in the next instant, she exploded with rage.

El and I quickly held them back, which brings us to now.

“You’re going to kill her? After assaulting my senpai, not only seeing but even touching him, you have the nerve to say such a thing!”

Didn’t you say similar things yourself?

Also, I wasn’t attacked, and can we stop referring to “that”? Please, let’s not get into details.

“Huh!? I was the one assaulted! And d-don’t call it a ‘thing’!”

Ms. Carat’s face turned bright red as she yelled back. I wasn’t attacked, and can we stop discussing “that”?

“So, how was it?! The feel? The color? The scent? The shape? The size? Come on, don’t hide anything, tell me!”

Fiona, what’s wrong with you? Why are you asking that? Seriously?

“Th-th-there’s no way I’d remember so clearly…! Don’t make me relive it!”

Please, just forget about it.

“If you’d like, I could give you a detailed account later.”

“Yes, please, I’d love that!”

H-hang on. Wait a second.

As she calmly set out tea on the nearby table, Sophie made that suggestion with a casual tone, and Fiona eagerly nodded. Ms. Carat’s face twitched as her enthusiasm visibly deflated.

“Are you… out of your mind?”

“You’re the crazy one here!”

No, it’s definitely you, Fiona.

This can’t go on. Fiona has completely lost control. Time for the last resort.

“Fiona, stop.”

“Ah… but…”

My firm tone made Fiona shiver. This combination of a commanding attitude and the effects of “I Love You,” which she seemed oddly fond of, worked well together. Although I feel like just the latter should be enough, better safe than sorry.

“Stop.”

“Y-yes.”

Repeating the order, she finally settled down. Letting her arms drop, Fiona relaxed, and I exhaled in relief as I released her from my hold.

“Sit and behave.”

“…Alright, but next time, let me see it too, okay?”

See what, exactly? No, definitely not.

With a defeated posture, Fiona sat on the nearby sofa. I cast a pleading glance at El, who was still holding Ms. Carat in a similar grip. Please handle her.

“…..”

“…El?”

“Oh, r-right… Mina, let’s calm down. He isn’t at fault. We’re the ones who encouraged him to use the bath. He’s not responsible for any of this.”

For a brief moment, El seemed somewhat out of character, momentarily taken aback, but she quickly regained her composure and began soothing Ms. Carat. Was it my imagination, or were her cheeks slightly flushed?

“But still…! I mean…! And Sophie! If you knew, why didn’t you warn me?!”

“…? I’m certain I mentioned it wasn’t a private bath.”

“Tell me directly if there’s a man in there!”

Ms. Carat’s voice rose to an almost shriek as she stared at Sophie, who tilted her head in confusion. Ms. Carat looked on the verge of tears, her eyes glistening.

Taking this chance, I pressed my forehead to the floor before her.

This was my ultimate technique—the “Kiss the Ground Apology.” It’s a bold move for a sincere apology, no excuses offered.

“My deepest apologies! I sincerely regret causing you such discomfort!”

Just as I conveyed my remorse to Ms. Carat, the lounge door suddenly burst open.

“Hello! Hello, hello! How are you all doing~?”

Someone odd had entered.

I couldn’t help but look up at the newcomer with that bizarre greeting.

Before us stood a perfect pretty boy, with shiny blonde hair and a bright smile. He was unnecessarily upbeat, unnecessarily handsome, and in an unnecessarily cool pose, with a wink that practically sparkled.

“I, Kreis Tialué, have arrived!”

Whoa… it’s like looking at a past version of myself. Though, he’s the real deal compared to me.

The handsome man who called himself Kreis Tialué looked at our stunned group, then cupped his ear, feigning surprise.

“Huhhh~? No replies, anyone?”

“See, he’s apologizing properly now.”

“Apologizing doesn’t fix everything… wait, who the heck is this guy?!”

Wow. El and Ms. Carat’s ability to ignore things is remarkable. They resumed their conversation as if he weren’t even there.

“He’s a temporary member.”

“What?! No one told me that!”

“Yep, that’s right~”

Incredible. This guy seemed unaffected by being ignored. Nodding as if he were in on some secret, Tialué sauntered over to Sophie.

“Sophie-chan, looking cute as always! Mind if I hug you?”

“……”

“Ah, I see~ Haha!”

Completely ignored by Sophie, Tialué laughed it off and moved on to El and Ms. Carat, smiling brightly.

“El-chan! You’re always gorgeous! Can I have a hug?”

“Kreis, you know I don’t like people touching me.”

“Ohhh! Right!”

Undeterred, Tialué smacked his forehead in mock regret and turned to Ms. Carat.

“Miiiinaa—”

“I’ll kill you.”

“Bwahaha!”

This guy… what does it take to break him?

Even as the three ignored him, Tialué laughed heartily, and I started feeling a faint sense of respect for him.

When he finally stopped laughing, he did an unnecessary graceful turn and faced Fiona.

“Could you not look at me? It’s unpleasant to be looked at by any man other than my senpai.”

“As you wish!”

With that, he spun around and strode towards me. Stopping just in front of me, he extended his hand with an elegant gesture.

“Come on! No need to stay down; let’s hug it out!”

“Uh, alright.”

This guy has no filter.

I found myself reaching out, only to be pulled into his gentle embrace. And… it felt surprisingly nice. Is he a master of hugging?

“Now we’re best friends—right?”

“Uh, yeah.”

Nodding involuntarily, I felt him pat my back affectionately. Fiona was giving him a look that no young lady should ever have.

“Outta my way!!”

And in an instant, he was gone, replaced by Ms. Carat, who had her leg raised, probably having landed a spinning kick on Tialué.

“Annoying.”

“I’ll handle his treatment.”

As I stared in shock, Ms. Carat lowered her foot while Sophie, giving a small bow, exited through the shattered door. El shrugged her shoulders.

“So, this ‘temporary member’—what’s that all about?”

“Just what it sounds like. He’ll be filling in until Lett returns.”

El explained as if nothing unusual had happened, while Ms. Carat pointed sharply at me, glaring.

“We don’t need some complete stranger!”

“He’s necessary. Besides, he’s not a stranger, Mina. Don’t you remember him?”

“Huh?! What are you talking about, El? I’d remember… some… one…”

As she looked closer at my face, her eyes began to widen. Had she never looked closely, or did she just now recognize me? Either way, her reaction wasn’t one I particularly enjoyed.

“A-ahhh!! That weakling from before!”

“Yes, that would be me.”

A weakling. Great. Apparently, Ms. Carat hadn’t forgotten me after all. She raised her voice, looking between me and El.

“Even more reason he’s useless!”

Yeah, I agree.

I really think so, too. Can I leave now?

“There’s no way I’ll accept this guy! He’ll be no help at all! And it’s not like he has anything special to offer! Why is he even necessary?”

“Mina, I’m the party leader. I say he’s necessary, so please don’t be difficult.”

“Wha…!”

Ms. Carat, who had been making a sound argument, was silenced by El’s quiet but unyielding words.

She must feel betrayed. I could understand why. El normally wouldn’t be this firm, especially with someone she’s known since school. Yet, she wasn’t budging.

What could be driving her to act this way? But more pressing right now…

“You… you stupid… wretched…”

Fiona’s expression had turned terrifying.

“Unnecessary…? Useless…? Weakling…?”

The look in her eyes was bone-chilling. Even if she couldn’t move due to “I Love You,” her gaze alone seemed murderous. Her entire body trembled, her clenched fists and lips pressed so hard they were bleeding.

“Eek… Wh-what…?”

Ms. Carat, noticing Fiona’s state, shivered, emitting a small whimper.

This is bad.

“My… my senpai… precious…”

“Fiona! Sleep for a while!”

Taking a gamble, I commanded her using the power of her Magis Armor.

Fiona’s shaking stilled, and her head drooped as she fell into a peaceful slumber. I quickly moved to support her before she collapsed, letting out a sigh of relief as I laid her gently on the sofa.

“What the hell…?”

Ms. Carat muttered in confusion.

“I’ll go fetch Sophie.”

El left the room to bring Sophie, likely to treat Fiona’s self-inflicted injuries. Her hands, squeezed so tightly, looked painfully bruised.

Honestly, it was terrifying.

But she had done it out of concern for me, all because I was pathetic enough to be mocked.

When had Fiona changed so much? She used to be straightforward, gentle, a good girl…

She’s become quite a troublesome junior, I thought, trying to ignore the fact that my influence might have played a part.

Being of the Darkness Attribute, I prefer to evade responsibility.

Still, Fiona clearly can’t bear to see me disrespected. It’s heavy. Her loyalty is… heavy.

For my own peace of mind, I’ll try to change this pitiful version of myself, at least a little, in front of her.

So, I’ll ask Ms. Carat to put up with a few things for my sake, even though she’s been nothing but reasonable.

“Ms. Carat, would you mind stepping outside with me for a moment?”

“What? Wh-where did this come from…?”

She looked bewildered as I suddenly addressed her. Recalling what had once been said to me, I felt genuinely apologetic as I voiced what needed to be said.

“Let me correct that attitude of yours.”

The first step in overcoming trauma.